Rep. Ro Khanna Rejects Labeling Oct. 7 Hamas Attack

Representative Ro Khanna, a California Democrat and potential 2028 presidential contender, faced intense questioning on Tuesday, July 14, 2026, during an interview where he repeatedly refused to endorse the October 7, 2023, Hamas attack on Israel as legitimate resistance. The interview, conducted by journalist Jeremy Scahill for the outlet Drop Site News, centered on whether Palestinians have a right to kill Israeli soldiers, with Khanna consistently labeling the assault a terrorist attack.

Scahill pressed Khanna on the justification for targeting military bases during the October 7 incursion, which killed approximately 1,200 people and saw more than 250 taken hostage. "Do Palestinians have a right to kill Israeli soldiers, Congressman? On October 7, when they attacked the military bases in the Gaza envelope, did the Qassam Brigades and Saraya al-Quds have a right to kill Israeli soldiers? Yes or no?" Scahill asked. Khanna declined to endorse any part of the attack. "I think the Oct. 7 attack was a terrorist attack," he said. "I am not for violence in any way. I mean, I am for making sure that we end the occupation."

When pressed further, Khanna stated, "No, I'm not going to say...